What's Happening This Week in Martial Arts - December 4-10, 2017

The world of martial arts is wide and incredibly varied, and the competitions and events are equally numerous and diverse. If you're trying to keep up with multiple sports, it can be difficult to keep a handle on what's happening around the world.

Here at Martial Arts Zone, we've compiled a list of the events happening this coming week in the martial arts world. Make sure you don't miss these exciting events and competitions!

Ahmed Elbiali Vs Jean Pascal - Dec 8

This boxing match is not one you want to miss! Unbeaten contender Ahmed Elbiali enters the ring with the former world champion Jean Pascal in a 10 round light heavyweight event. This event is the main match of a special Friday night edition of Premier Boxing Champions Toe-To-Toe Tuesdays. Catch the action on FS1 or Fox Deportes on December 8th, live from Hialeah Park in Miami, Florida 6pm EST.

3rd Festival Ao Som Do Berimbau - 10 Dec

The third Festival Ao Som Do Berimbau is a celebration of all things capoeira, including Angola, Regional and Contemporary styles. The differences of each style are appreciated, but at the end of the day, it's a coming-together of capoeira enthusiasts from all sorts of backgrounds in a mutual appreciation for the sport. The traditional berimbau provides the cadence and the rhythm for this multi-day celebration.

Carvalho vs Sakara - Dec 9

An intense match for the MMA Middleweight World Title will occur on December 9th at 8PM. Alessio Sakara, from Italy with a 19-11-0 record, will face Rafael Carvalho, who currently has a 14-1-0 record. Check out the video below for more information on what's shaping up to be an unforgettable MMA showdown.

CBJJ Vancouver International Open - Dec 9

The CBJJ Vancouver International Open is one of the biggest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitions of the year. There's a huge amount of matches going on over the course of the day, covering kids, masters, gi, and no-gi fights.

Unfortunately, registration is now full, but as a spectator you can catch the action from 8:30 - 5:30 PM at Vancouver, UBC War Memorial Gym.

Iowa State Judo Championships - Dec 9

If you're native to Iowa, this coming week is a great chance to support your local martial arts scene at the Iowa State Judo Championships, held in Sioux City on December 9. The event will be held at Long Lines Family Rec. Center, 401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, IA51101. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., call 712-223-0931, or visit www.siouxcityjudo.org. ​

UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs Ortega - Dec 9

UFC Fight Night is always an exciting event, and the featherweight bout between Cub Swanson and Brian Ortega has us anticipating a match that's sure to entertain. Swanson seems to have the uppher hand with a 25-7-0 record vs Ortega's 12-0-0, as well as better match stats in general. Still, this fight will be anything but one-sided.

Tune into UFC Fight Night on December 9th. You won't want to miss this!

USJA / USJF Winter Nationals - Dec 9

This major event is held on December 9th in Southern California at Azusa Pacific University's Felix Event Center. The USJA / USJF Winter Nationals was created and hosted by Goltz Judo, and is officially endorsed by the USJA/USJF Grassroots Judo Alliance.

This huge competition will bring in over 700 competitors from all over the world. In addition to a national tournament for all age groups and skill levels, there will be clinics held on coaching, refereeing, and just about anything related to Judo.

Vasyl Lomachenko vs Guillermo Rigondeaux - Dec 9

This upcoming professional boxing match between Lomachenko and Rigondeaux will be held on December 9th at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The two competitors will be competing for the WBO super featherweight championship. It's a major boxing event, and not one to miss!

It's a big week for Karate, as the United Alliance of Shoto Karate-do of California presents the annual champions for the 2018 USA National Qualifier. If you're looking to see the best of the best compete for a spot in a national competition, the event will be held December 9 - 10 at 5100 Erwin St, Van Nuys, CA 91411. For more information, send an email to the event director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

2nd Wado Kai International Friends Cup - Dec 9-10

The 2nd International Friends Cup for Wado Kai Karate is being held in Armenia this week, and is a competition focused around youth practitioners. There are Individual Kumite divisions for children and teens ranging from 5 to 18 years. Additionally, there will be Individual Male / Female Kata matches from 10 - 18 years of age, Team Male / Female Kata matches from 14-18 years old, and Male Team Kumite competitions for young men from 11 - 18 years of age.

The competition will be held from the 9th to the 10th of December in Yerevan, Armenia. Visit wadokai.am for more information.